State Department rejects boycott of Israel move amid Ben & Jerry’s sale ban

The State Department said on Tuesday it “strongly rejects” the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement targeting Israel a day after Ben & Jerry’s announced it would no longer sell ice cream in the “territory. occupied Palestinian “.

“We strongly reject the BDS movement, which unjustly singles out Israel,” State Department spokesman Ned Price said. “While the Biden-Harris administration will fully and always respect the First Amendment rights of our citizens, the American people, the United States will be a strong partner in combating efforts around the world that potentially seek to delegitimize Israel and will work tirelessly to support Israel’s further integration into the international community.

BEN & JERRY’S SLACKED BY ISRAELI PM, NETANYAHU AFTER ANNOUNCES BOYCOTT OF “OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY”

Ben and Jerry’s decision is part of a larger campaign led by Palestinians to protest Israeli involvement in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

The White House has faced increasing pressure from progressive Democratic Party lawmakers to rely on Israel to work for a two-state Israeli-Palestinian solution.

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Progressive Democrats were frustrated by President Biden’s lack of support for the Palestinians in an eight-day rocket firefight that saw more than 200 Palestinians killed, including more than 60 children, as well as 11 Israelis and a boy 5 years.

But while the State Department has said it will “not weigh in on the goals and motives of a private company,” some Democrats have applauded Ben & Jerry’s decision.

“I know where I’m going to get my ice cream today,” said Cori Bush, representative for Missouri. “Who comes with? “

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Ben & Jerry’s announcement drew sharp criticism from major Israelis, and in a phone call Tuesday with Unilever Plc – which acquired the ice cream company in 2000 – Prime Minister Naftali Bennett pointed out guard against “serious consequences”.

Bennett told consumer giant CEO Alan Jope the move was a “blatant anti-Israel move” and said the government would “aggressively oppose any boycott measures targeting civilians,” he said. first reported Reuters.